Smart Watchhttp://www.businessinsider.com/category/smart-watch
en-usSun, 02 Aug 2015 17:01:57 -0400Sun, 02 Aug 2015 17:01:57 -0400The latest news on Smart Watch from Business Insiderhttp://static3.businessinsider.com/assets/images/bilogo-250x36-wide-rev.pngBusiness Insiderhttp://www.businessinsider.com
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-apple-watch-hysteria-is-out-of-control-2015-7The Apple Watch hysteria is out of controlhttp://www.businessinsider.com/the-apple-watch-hysteria-is-out-of-control-2015-7
Thu, 09 Jul 2015 19:47:00 -0400Adam Levine-Weinberg
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/559f06be6bb3f7a35a19dd9b-1200-924/apple-watch-golden-dreams-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Apple Watch Golden Dreams"></p><p>A significant swath of the Wall Street analyst community and financial press seem determined to prove that the&nbsp;<span>Apple.&nbsp;</span>Watch is a failure: even if it means ignoring key facts and context.</p>
<p>A story by MarketWatch columnist Brett Arends with the blaring headline "<a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/apple-watch-may-not-be-ticking-with-customers-2015-07-07" target="_blank">Apple Watch Sales Plunge 90%</a>" epitomizes this attitude. There was a nugget of truth behind Arends' headline -- a sales estimate from Slice Intelligence -- but it was ripped out of context in order to mislead readers.</p>
<h2><span>The big claim</span></h2>
<p>The MarketWatch story picked up on data from Slice Intelligence, which has been monitoring U.S. Apple Watch sales by tracking e-receipts sent to a large sample of consumers. The story noted that "Apple has been selling fewer than 20,000 watches a day in the U.S. since the initial surge in April, and on some days fewer than 10,000 ..."</p>
<p>Even if Apple were selling 20,000 Watch units every day, that would equal 140,000 per week. This compares to Slice Intelligence's estimate that Apple sold 1.4 million Apple Watches in the U.S. during the first week of pre-sale availability: hence the claim that sales were down by 90%.</p>
<p>Arends did caution that it was understandable for sales volume to fall after the initial rush. But by then, he had already made it clear that the "point" of the article was that Apple Watch sales were plummeting. To make matters worse, he went on to claim that this was an ominous sign, writing: "Investors are used to seeing new products, such as the iPhone and iPad, fly off the shelves as soon as they are launched."</p>
<h2><span>Apple Watch demand still healthy</span></h2>
<p>First of all, the&nbsp;<a href="http://intelligence.slice.com/tracking-the-fitness-of-fitness-trackers-fitbit-is-in-a-class-by-itself/" target="_blank">data from Slice Intelligence</a>&nbsp;says more about the vast crowd of early adopters than about a lack of ongoing demand.</p>
<p>As noted above, the firm estimated that Apple sold 1.4 million Apple Watches during the first week of online availability (which began on April 10). After that initial surge, Slice's data shows weekly sales staying fairly steady in a range of roughly 150,000-175,000 per week through the week of May 31. That suggests Apple had sold another 1 million or so Apple Watches by the end of May.</p>
<p>It was only in June that Apple Watch sales in the U.S. apparently plummeted to 100,000 or less per week. Even so, domestic sales for the quarter reached perhaps 2.8 million units, according to the Slice Intelligence data.</p>
<p>But Apple only got 38% of its revenue from the U.S. in its most recent fiscal year. Last quarter's Apple Watch sales may be skewed more toward the U.S. because the device only launched in a few markets in April. That said, those markets also included Apple's biggest international markets, such as China, Japan, and the U.K.</p>
<p>If there was a 50/50 split between the U.S. and foreign markets for Apple Watch sales last quarter, that would imply global Apple Watch sales of about 5.5 million units. That's near the upper end of the range of analysts' sales estimates for the Watch.</p>
<h2><span>Blowing away iPhone sales</span></h2>
<p>If Arends is right that investors are accustomed to new Apple products "flying off the shelves," that's only because investors have faulty memories. Between the launch weekend and first full quarter of sales of the original iPhone, Apple sold just 1.4 million units globally. If you believe Slice Intelligence's data, Apple sold that many Watches just in the U.S. within a week, and total Apple Watch sales for the quarter could be about four times that number.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Apple sold 3.3 million iPads in the quarter when that product category launched five years ago. Of course, iPhone and iPad sales have soared far higher in subsequent years -- but as the Apple Watch improves, it could also grow in popularity.</p>
<h2><span>Is the drop even real?</span></h2>
<p>Thus, even if Slice Intelligence's data is accurate, Apple Watch demand has been perfectly healthy so far. Launch quarter sales may outpace iPad launch quarter sales by a sizable margin, just as the iPad got off to a faster start than the iPhone.</p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/559f07646bb3f7ab5b19dd93-580-387/tech-stock-apple-store-aapl_large.jpg" border="0" alt="tech stock apple store aapl"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Yet it's possible that the "90% slowdown" picked up by Slice Intelligence (and fixated upon by the MarketWatch column) is partially an artifact of its data-collection method. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It's surprising that Apple Watch sales would have held steady around 150,000-175,000 per week for a month and a half before suddenly plunging to half that level.</span></p>
<p>However, the Apple Watch started to become available in stores in mid-June.</p>
<p>As of June 17, Apple allowed customers in the U.S. to reserve the Apple Watch online for an in-store demo and (hopefully) purchase.</p>
<p>Recall that Slice Intelligence tracks sales volume via e-receipts. While Apple does send e-receipts for many in-store purchases, it's possible that a shift in customer buying behavior (in favor of the Apple Store rather than online) is making the drop in Apple Watch sales look worse than it is.</p>
<p>We won't know for sure how the Apple Watch is doing until Apple reports June quarter earnings later this month. Even then we might not find out much, as Apple hasn't committed to providing unit sales data. But Apple Watch pessimists should at least wait until Apple gets a word in before condemning the Watch as a failure.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-apple-watch-hysteria-is-out-of-control-2015-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/when-cc-someone-email-rules-2015-5">Here's exactly when you should 'cc' someone on email</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-apple-watch-wearable-tech-2015-65 things the Pebble watch can do better than the Apple Watchhttp://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-apple-watch-wearable-tech-2015-6
Sat, 06 Jun 2015 08:19:00 -0400Corey Protin
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-apple-watch-wearable-tech-2015-6"><strong>Click for the story &gt;</strong></a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-apple-watch-wearable-tech-2015-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/tfire-china-smartwatch-tech-apple-watch-2015-5China's latest answer to the Apple Watch is called T-FIRE and it's only $115http://www.businessinsider.com/tfire-china-smartwatch-tech-apple-watch-2015-5
Thu, 21 May 2015 17:45:14 -0400Jason Gaines and Associated Press
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channel="BusinessInsider" data-layout="full" data-count="default"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p>T-FIRE is a smartwatch made by Chinese company Tomoon Technology. The question is how the company can compete with major companies launching smartwatch products such as the Apple Watch, Pebble, Samsung Galaxy Gear and Sony Smart Watch 2.</p>
<p><em>Produced by Jason Gaines. Video courtesy of Associated Press and BON TV.</em></p>
<p><strong>Follow BI Video:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BusinessInsider.Video">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tfire-china-smartwatch-tech-apple-watch-2015-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/deal-of-the-day-the-jarv-activity-tracker-and-smart-watch-is-40-off-today-2015-4DEAL OF THE DAY: The Jarv activity tracker and smart watch is 40% off todayhttp://www.businessinsider.com/deal-of-the-day-the-jarv-activity-tracker-and-smart-watch-is-40-off-today-2015-4
Mon, 20 Apr 2015 11:33:00 -0400Insider Picks
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKTNMDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QKTNMDC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipjarvsmartwatch-20&amp;linkId=FWUKS7HXLO64J7KC"><img style="float:right;" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5531415aeab8ea287d8b4567-559-419/jarv-smart-watch.png" border="0" alt="jarv smart watch"></a>This fitness tracker/smart watch is <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>40% off</strong></span> right now.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKTNMDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QKTNMDC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipjarvsmartwatch-20&amp;linkId=FWUKS7HXLO64J7KC">Jarv fitness tracker and smart watch</a> comes with a built-in G-sensor that tracks calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, hours slept and other personal goals.</p>
<p>Additionally, it keeps you updated on incoming calls, caller ID, texts, emails, your calendar, and social media alerts (from Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and more.)</p>
<p>"I am very pleased with the functionality of this activity tracker. It tracks sleep, steps and calories burned very well and gives great graphs for analysis," one <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKTNMDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QKTNMDC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipjarvsmartwatch-20&amp;linkId=FWUKS7HXLO64J7KC">reviewer wrote</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKTNMDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QKTNMDC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipjarvsmartwatch-20&amp;linkId=FWUKS7HXLO64J7KC"><strong>Jarv activity tracker and smart watch</strong></a>: <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$99.99</span> <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QKTNMDC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00QKTNMDC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biipjarvsmartwatch-20&amp;linkId=FWUKS7HXLO64J7KC">$59.99</a> <span style="color: #ff0000;">[40% off]</span></strong></p>
<hr>
<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mastery-course-bundle-learn-excel-land-dream-job-2015-4" >Master Excel and more with this course bundle to land your dream job [96% off]</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/these-6-luxury-headphones-are-up-to-73-off-right-now-2015-4" >These 6 luxury headphone sets are up to 73% off right now</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/best-headphones-under-20-april-13-2015-4" >The 7 best headphones you can get this week for under $20</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/deal-of-the-day-the-jarv-activity-tracker-and-smart-watch-is-40-off-today-2015-4#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/barack-obama-body-man-reggie-love-2015-2">Here's what it takes to be President Obama's right-hand man</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-watch-experience-apple-store-2015-4What it's like to try on the Apple Watch at the Apple storehttp://www.businessinsider.com/apple-watch-experience-apple-store-2015-4
Fri, 10 Apr 2015 13:52:10 -0400Matthew Stuart and Will Wei
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCUz1WSec8uasVaRDU19SVnQ" data-layout="full" data-count="hidden"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p>Despite encouraging people to order online, Apple has created an extremely personal shopping experience for its latest product. We checked out how the service works.</p>
<p><em>Produced by Matthew Stuart and Will Wei</em></p>
<p><strong>Follow BI Video:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BusinessInsider.Video">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-watch-experience-apple-store-2015-4#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/flagship-apple-store-new-york-city-apple-watch-debut-2015-4Here's what it was like entering Apple's flagship store on Apple Watch preorder dayhttp://www.businessinsider.com/flagship-apple-store-new-york-city-apple-watch-debut-2015-4
Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:18:09 -0400Matthew Stuart
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCUz1WSec8uasVaRDU19SVnQ" data-layout="full" data-count="hidden"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p>The Apple Watch became available for preorder on Friday, and Apple's staff was out in full force to applaud everyone who entered the store to get their hands on one to purchase in advance. </p>
<p>The Apple Watch will go on sale on April 24. </p>
<p><em>Produced by Matthew Stuart</em></p>
<p><strong>Follow BI Video: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BusinessInsider.Video">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/flagship-apple-store-new-york-city-apple-watch-debut-2015-4#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/mmt-horological-smartwatch-2015-2The Swiss luxury watch industry is making moves toward the smartwatch world http://www.businessinsider.com/mmt-horological-smartwatch-2015-2
Fri, 27 Feb 2015 12:37:00 -0500Ariel Adams
<p><span><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4beab8ea3609cb7819-860-645/fc-horological-smartwatch-fc-285v5b4-3.jpg" border="0" alt="FC Horological Smartwatch FC 285V5B4 3">Ever since the smartwatch became a thing, I have been preaching that companies need to pool their resources and talents to create something that consumers want.&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">A new type of smartwatch platform called&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.mmt.ch/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MMT</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;(Manufacture Modules Technologies) was just announced out of partnership between a series of companies both in Switzerland and in Silicon Valley.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> This isn't a big deal just because it means the small but crowded smartwatch market has a new face, but because, in my opinion, it represents a wise step in the right direction of how the Swiss luxury watch industry needs to integrate itself into the smartwatch world. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><em>Welcome to the MMT electronic watch movement family and the Horological Smartwatch.</em><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4becad04eb7acb781b-860-1220/frederique-constant-alpina-mmt-swiss-horological-smartwatch-motionx-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Alpina MMT Swiss Horological Smartwatch MotionX 2"></span></p>
<p>Who is behind MMT? It is Peter Stas of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/watch-brands/frederique-constant/" target="_blank">Frederique Constant</a>/<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/watch-brands/alpina/" target="_blank">Alpina</a>&nbsp;and Philippe Khan of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fullpower.com/" target="_blank" title="Fullpower Homepage" rel="nofollow">Fullpower</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.motionx.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MotionX</a>&nbsp;technology which has been an innovator in activity and sleep tracking solutions for wearable devices. Think of it this way, MotionX will be responsible for producing a modular smartwatch system that can be placed in any watch, and companies like Frédérique&nbsp;Constant will have the responsibility to design a pretty timepiece around it that consumers want.</p>
<p>What people really want to know is what MMT is and what it offers. The initial Horological Smartwatch products share a lot in common with other minimalist smartwatch platforms with mostly, or all-analog dials.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/withings-activite-fitness-tracker-device-elegant-timepiece/" target="_blank" title="Withings Activité Fitness Tracker Device Disguised As An Elegant Timepiece article">Withings watches</a>&nbsp;will come to mind for most people. MMT watches will have no digital screens and no charging ports. For most people seeing them, they will look identical to traditional analog timepieces.<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b6bb3f7d157cb781b-860-624/frederique-constant-alpina-mmt-swiss-horological-smartwatch-motionx-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Alpina MMT Swiss Horological Smartwatch MotionX 1">Let's get the battery life question out of the way. How long does the battery last? About two years. That's right, the MMT movement is designed to be like traditional quartz battery-operated watches that require a new battery each few years. Frédérique Constant and MotionX determined that their target demographic doesn't want to charge things on a regular basis, and from the start, having a "reasonable amount of battery life" was a priority.</p>
<p>The Horological Smartwatch with an MMT movement will connect to a host phone via Bluetooth and there will, of course, be a companion app that is vital to the experience. The watch itself only displays the time (without seconds), date, and a progress indicator meant to help the wearer know whether or not they have reached their daily activity goals. The sole input device on the watch is the crown which is just a pusher. That means you cannot even set the time unless you go into the app. I am a bit concerned about the necessary level of connectivity the watch has to your phone (iPhone or Android), but that is likely due to the fact that I simply have yet to live with such a device.<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b69bedd800ecb7819-860-632/frederique-constant-alpina-mmt-swiss-horological-smartwatch-motionx-4.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Alpina MMT Swiss Horological Smartwatch MotionX 4">The MMT Horological Smartwatch also has a "night mode" so that it can track your sleep activity and help measure your sleep quality and "efficiency." This is something that MotionX has a lot of experience with, as it provides the technology to a lot fitness tracking wearable devices. Press in the crown of the Horological Smartwatch, and the date indicator hand moves to the small moon symbol on the dial, which means you are in sleep mode. You can either wear the watch while sleeping, or put it under your pillow.</p>
<p>The data from the combined fitness tracking features of the watch are displayed graphically, and with customizable goals, in an attractive app that uses the now popular graphical styles many people are becoming used to. It isn't clear what people are doing with all this activity data, but people sure seem to be interested in it. I do however believe in the power of "suggestive alerts" that help people know they have been too sedentary or that they haven't completed their daily goals. The managements at Frédérique Constant and Alpina both expressed a lot of surprise at just how much this type of information has impacted their lives.</p>
<p>This goes along with what I have predicted are a series of "wow" moments that consumers will experience in various ways as they understand how a smartwatch can have a valued place in their already technologically crowded lives. The question MMT is trying to answer is how the traditional watch industry will react to timepieces no longer being about only tradition, luxury, and style, but also (once again), functionality.<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54f0917e6da8113019db7c9a-836-627/frederique-constant-alpina-mmt-swiss-horological-smartwatch-motionx-8-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Alpina MMT Swiss Horological Smartwatch MotionX 8"></p>
<p>What I really like about the MMT platform is that it isn't about phone notifications on your wrist. I've played with devices that tell me I have new e-mail and unread text messages or if a call is coming in. I've just found them by-and-large to be rather useless. What I am looking for, is a smartwatch that acts smart and looks smart.</p>
<p>aBlogtoWatch has been covering smartwatches extensively, and in my article,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/how-screwed-watch-industry-thanks-apple-watch/" target="_blank"><em>"How Screwed Is The Watch Industry Thanks To The Apple Watch?"</em></a>, a topic we explored is how Switzerland will adapt to how smartwatches are likely to be a major disrupting force. That article fired up debates&nbsp;and&nbsp;currently has over 270 comments already, which&nbsp;indicates just how&nbsp;important&nbsp;this issue is to watch enthusiasts around the world. What is, however, much more scarcely – if ever – discussed, is a possible bridge between traditional watchmaking&nbsp;and the smart watch era; possibly&nbsp;because it did, for long, seem unlikely to happen anytime soon.</p>
<p>What Frédérique&nbsp;Constant is doing is being just disruptive enough to show that the Swiss watch industry can do something out of the box, but not so different that it alienates that traditional sense of European style and class. The Frédérique Constant and Alpina Horological smartwatches are not bad-looking.<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b69beddc30ccb781b-860-592/fc-horological-smartwatch-fc-285v5b4-2.jpg" border="0" alt="FC Horological Smartwatch FC 285V5B4 2">There are other benefits to the concept, above-and-beyond simply tracking your fitness and sleep data. On a simple level, the watch will connect to your phone and always have the correct time, dates, and will change times fluidly as you travel between time zones. You don't need to activate a screen to read the watch, and most importantly, they look totally appropriate with a suit, or on a date. Is this the beginning of the "stealth smartwatch?" "You know it is smart, and all they need to know is that it looks sharp."</p>
<p>What about women? Ah yes, female consumers have not been left out. In addition to a collection of Horological Smartwatches for men, Alpina (at first) is releasing an entire range of women's Horological Smartwatches (even with diamonds). They have found women to be very interested in fitness tracking technology, but have little interest in wearing a gadget. The MMT solution solves that. Fullpower CEO Philippe Kahn put it best when he told me that it was his job to make the technology work and be useful, and the Swiss' job to make it look good and be wearable. I've always suggested that just such an approach was the wisest way of making a smartwatch that consumers are ready to wear sooner, rather than later.<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b69bedd3f0dcb7820-900-378/frederique-constant-horological-smartwatch-app-screens.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch App screens"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4becad04f279cb7820-900-392/alpina-geneve-horological-smartwatch-app-screens.jpg" border="0" alt="Alpina Geneve Horological Smartwatch App screens">Another important point to make, is that while Peter Stas of Frederique Constant and Alpina is the CEO of MMT, the technology is not at all destined to be exclusively for those brands. In a sense, I think MMT wants to be the ETA of smartwatch modules for Swiss watches.</p>
<p>ETA is a large traditional Swiss watch movement maker (owned by the Swatch Group) that produced movements for a range of brands. MMT wants to be the hardware and software back-end for a lot of other brands who want to create smartwatch designs of their own but lack the desire or skills to create the technology. One of the most difficult elements of a modern smartwatch isn't the on-board technology, but the cloud-based computing solution behind-the-scenes that makes so much of the "platform" work.<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b6bb3f7b45bcb781a-860-430/frederique-constant-alpina-mmt-swiss-horological-smartwatch-motionx-9.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Alpina MMT Swiss Horological Smartwatch MotionX 9">What about the future and upgrades? Will Horological Smartwatches be just another gadget you discard in a year? MMT is trying to avoid that with a few interesting ideas that have yet to be put into practice. In a basic sense, the on-board firmware will be automatically updated all the time. That is simple, and a given.</p>
<p>What is more interesting is that brands like Frederique Constant and Alpina want to maintain long-term relationships with their customers and actually upgrade the hardware in the Horological Smartwatch products. Again, this has yet to be proven in the real world but does have potential and is an important part of the Swiss watch buying core experience - that is, to have something you feel as though you can either pass down to an heir or that will at least last you many years.<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4becad042279cb781d-860-724/alpina-horological-smartwatch-al-285btd3cd6-21.jpg" border="0" alt="Alpina Horological Smartwatch AL 285BTD3CD6 21">If you currently own a dressy or sport watch with a quartz movement, upgrading to something like a Horological Smartwatch will have no real drawbacks and it will be an upgrade. If you are used to mechanical watches, then anything electronic will force you to make a difficult decision. I don't actually think Frederique Constant or Alpina are trying to convert traditional watch lovers actively. If people are curious, they will get one, but I think there is a much larger pool of quartz watch owners that will be more tempted by these early MMT movement-based timepieces.</p>
<p>The first "other" watch brand to be part of the MMT movement launch is Swiss Mondaine. Known for their Swiss Railways watches, Mondaine will launch The Mondaine Helvetica Smart Swiss Watch later this year in the $700 - $1,000 price point. It will be interesting to see what other companies decide to experiment with MMT modules in the near future.<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54f0927e69bedd7112cb781c-860-645/alpina-horological-smartwatch-al-285btd3cd6-3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Alpina Horological Smartwatch AL 285BTD3CD6 3"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4beab8ea5e08cb781f-860-1094/mondaine-helvetica-smart-swiss-watch.jpg" border="0" alt="Mondaine Helvetica Smart Swiss Watch"><span>We don't have too many technical specs for the watches, but having seen them hands-on, I can say that they are on-par with the quality of other Frederique Constant and Alpina watches. Frederique Constant will produce the "business" Horological Smartwatch, and Alpina will produce the sporty models and the first women's watches. </span></p>
<p><span>For men, the timepieces are about 44mm wide and perhaps 12mm or so thick. The ladies' versions are smaller at perhaps 36mm wide, with a pleasantly modern feminine style (very much like a boyfriend watch - but with available diamonds). Prices for the watches will start at about $500 or so and go up to about $1,500 - $2,000 for the top-end models with diamonds. I would say that the average price of a Horological Smartwatch will be about $1,200 when they start to become available for sale in May or June 2015.&nbsp;<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b69bedd3f0dcb781d-860-1070/fc-285v5b4.jpg" border="0" alt="FC 285V5B4">Both brands debut the technology with one new model each, with Frédérique Constant offering the Horological Smartwatch Reference FC-285V5B4 in a 42 millimeter wide, rose gold plated stainless steel case.&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Inside the watch is the FC-285 quartz caliber that allows all functions to be adjusted via the crown and which handles all functions MotionX delivers: the watch will be always on time, will have MotionX activity and sleep tracking, will provide sleep cycle and get-active alarms as well as adaptive coaching, plus you get MotionX cloud backup and restore of your data, probably for the time when you switch phones or watches. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">It is, nonetheless, fascinating to think that all this happens under a highly legible silver dial that sports hand-applied indices and hand-polished, rose-gold plated hands.</span><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4b6da8113912db7c9c-860-636/frederique-constant-alpina-mmt-swiss-horological-smartwatch-motionx-11.jpg" border="0" alt="Frederique Constant Alpina MMT Swiss Horological Smartwatch MotionX 11" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The watch Alpina debuts its Swiss Horological Smartwatch line actually has two variations: one is a ladies' watch, the Alpina Reference AL-285BTD3C6B, which is a 39mm wide stainless steel watch, with 100 meters of water resistance (double that of the Frédérique Constant). The Alpina features the same AL-285 quartz movement and the same functionality, indicating that the technology can be fitted into a relatively small, 39mm case – which is very impressive. This Alpina model is available with a few different versions, depending on the diamond setting of the dial – we have seen versions that were more masculine with no diamonds, as well as one with diamond-set indices and bezel.</span><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54f08f4beab8eae407cb781b-860-587/alpina-horological-smartwatch-al-285btd3cd6-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Alpina Horological Smartwatch AL 285BTD3CD6 1" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">In essence, the MMT "Horological Smartwatch" by Frédérique Constant, Alpina and Mondaine&nbsp;has arrived and it promises to serve as a bridge between high-tech smart watches and traditional timepieces. We are looking forward to testing out how the claimed services of the watch and the apps function&nbsp;in real life, but, until then,&nbsp;we can say that the MMT seems to&nbsp;have the potential to strike the right balance between traditional watch design elements and modern fitness tracking smart watch functionalities.</span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-trends-of-2015-2015-2" >The 6 hottest watch trends of 2015</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T FORGET:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Businessinsider.Life" >Follow Business Insider's Life on Facebook!</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mmt-horological-smartwatch-2015-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-everyday-watches-office-2014-6">3 Watches You Should Wear If You Want To Impress People</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-2015-2The most popular smartwatch in the world is getting an update with some key features missing from the Apple Watchhttp://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-2015-2
Tue, 24 Feb 2015 10:00:00 -0500Steve Kovach
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54ec8ec9ecad04541753db6b-1200-924/pebble-time-watch.png" border="0" alt="pebble time watch"></p><p>Pebble, the company that got its start on Kickstarter and went on to make the most popular smartwatch in the world, has a new watch coming this spring.</p>
<p>The third-generation Pebble watch, the Pebble Time, will have an "e-ink" color screen and a new interface designed to show what's relevant to you like calendar appointments, reminders, and sports scores. And unlike other smartwatches, the Pebble Time can last up to seven days on a single charge. (The Apple Watch is only expected to last about a day.)</p>
<p>In an unusual move, the Pebble Time won't be available in stores right away. Instead, Pebble is going back to Kickstarter in an attempt to raise more money for the company and sell the initial batch of units. Pebble's CEO Eric Migicovsky told Business Insider that with the Apple Watch launching in April, Pebble wants to use Kickstarter to raise awareness that there are other options available.</p>
<p>The original Pebble was one of the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android">most successful Kickstarter projects in history</a>, with nearly 69,000 backers giving $10.2 million. Backers of the Pebble Time Kickstarter, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-time-awesome-smartwatch-no-compromises">which goes live Tuesday</a>, will be able to get the watch if they donate at least $159. The Pebble Time will cost $199 in retail stores later this year, but Kickstarter backers will get it in May.</p>
<p>"It's not that big of an assumption to say Apple is putting a lot of effort into the space," Migicovsky told Business Insider. "One of the reasons why is people who backed us on Kickstarter demonstrated there's a market for it. We still need people's support. We're a small company battling the largest company in the world. One of the ways we think we can do that is taking the fight to the users that actually matter. If you support us, we'll continue."</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54ec8fd869bedd941d53db69-1200-600/pebble-time-smart-watch-1.png" border="0" alt="Pebble Time smart watch"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The color screen on the Pebble Time is different than the smartphone-like displays on devices like the Apple Watch and Samsung's Gear watches. It can't show as many colors, but since it's designed to look like virtual ink instead of a traditional backlit smartphone display, it's easier to read in direct sunlight and doesn't kill the battery. The display remains on at all times, unlike the Apple Watch that will require you to lift your wrist to activate the display.</span></p>
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/54ec8f2e6bb3f72b7f53db60-1200-600/pebble-time-timeline-view.png" border="0" alt="pebble time timeline view"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">On the software side, Pebble redesigned the watch's operating system to default to a new "Timeline" view that's programmed to show you the information that's most relevant to you. The items in your Timeline appear chronologically, so you can scroll through upcoming appointments, weather alerts, etc. in order. You'll also get access to Pebble's library of about 6,500 apps.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Finally, the Pebble Time has a built-in microphone, which will let you respond to incoming texts and emails with your voice and record audio notes to the Pebble smartphone app.</span></p>
<p>Pebble will continue to sell its older models too. The original Pebble will cost <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BKEQBI0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00BKEQBI0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bipebblewatches-20&amp;linkId=6USSBU345WWG5PYQ">$99</a>, and the Pebble Steel, a premium version of the original Pebble with a metal body, will cost <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KVHEL8E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00KVHEL8E&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bipebblewatches-20&amp;linkId=TZONGLRCKNFIMGXX">$199</a>. The older models will get a software update later this year that includes the Timeline view. All Pebble watches work with the iPhone and most Android phones.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-watch-battery-life-2015-1" >It's going to be a big problem if the Apple Watch can't even last a day</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/pebble-time-2015-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-headphones-tricks-2015-2">14 things you didn't know your iPhone headphones could do</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/r-swatch-says-to-launch-smart-watch-in-next-2-3-months-2015-2Swatch will reportedly launch a smart watch in the next couple of monthshttp://www.businessinsider.com/r-swatch-says-to-launch-smart-watch-in-next-2-3-months-2015-2
Thu, 05 Feb 2015 05:33:00 -0500
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/54d342e75afbd301428b456c-450-300/swatch-says-to-launch-smart-watch-in-next-2-3-months.jpg" border="0" alt="A woman looks at watches at a Swatch store at Zurich central station in this file photo taken on July 24, 2012. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann "></p><p>ZURICH (Reuters) - Swatch will launch a smart watch in the next two to three months, the Swiss watchmaker said on Thursday.</p>
<p>A spokesman for Swatch confirmed Chief Executive Nick Hayek made the remarks to Bloomberg earlier on Thursday.</p>
<p>Asked how much of a concern the smart watch from Apple Inc was to the Swiss company, Hayek also told CNBC that Swatch had already been in the smart watch market for a long time but did not give detail on its plans for a new product.</p>
<p>(Reporting by Joshua Franklin)</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-swatch-says-to-launch-smart-watch-in-next-2-3-months-2015-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/flying-car-aeromobil-flies-430-miles-2014-12">This Flying Car Is Real And It Can Fly 430 Miles On A Full Tank</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/review-michael-bastian-smart-watch-2014-11A Fashion Designer Created A Smartwatch For Hewlett-Packard — Here's What We Thoughthttp://www.businessinsider.com/review-michael-bastian-smart-watch-2014-11
Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:16:00 -0500Ariel Adams
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54764d26eab8ea7343b21363-859-644/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-3-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 3"></p><p>To fully appreciate the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/watch-brands/michael-bastian/" target="_blank" title="Michael Bastian Articles">Michael Bastian</a>&nbsp;MB Chronowing smartwatch, you need to first understand how it came to be and the three entities involved in its development and design.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;ménage à trois&nbsp;is almost like the plot of a television show. aBlogtoWatch originally&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/gilt-michael-bastian-smartwatch-hewlett-packard/" target="_blank">debuted the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing smartwatch here</a>.</p>
<h2>The Origin Story</h2>
<p>First is technology company Hewlett-Packard (HP). Once a massive name in software and hardware, HP (like many other "older" tech companies, such as Microsoft and IBM) has been forced to rethink or consolidate its efforts in many areas, given that current consumer trends are less about desktop computers and software sold in traditional retail environments, and more about lean, portable computing.</p>
<p>Like many of its peers, Hewlett-Packard has attempted to "get in on" a series modern tech trends, such as mobile and internet-based software services - of course, with mixed levels of success. And like its peers, it has now put a few toes into the pool of wearable devices.</p>
<p>So Hewlett-Packard is the software and hardware part of the equation - and perhaps the biggest stake holder. Even then, you'll have to squint carefully to see the HP name on the rear of the watch.</p>
<p>Next is the consumer sales site Gilt.com, which has grown from being a flash sale website for men into a more established e-commerce platform for all things fashion. Gilt is a modern success story born of consumer demand for discounts, fast paced buying, and a perception of a cool and curated selection of items that allows guys to feel like someone is doing the shopping for them. As I understand it, Gilt was approached by HP who wanted, not only a sales partner, but a suggestion on who might design the exterior of their upcoming smartwatch user interface. The time frame to production was perhaps half a year from the time time HP decided to involve an external partner.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aBxHoLJjwzI"></iframe></p>
<p>Gilt apparently suggested designer Michael Bastian to the folks at Hewlett-Packard. Bastian has watch design experience and was respected in the watch community. The high-end Swiss watch maker Audemars Piguet even worked with Bastian a number of times to place their timepieces on the wrists of Michael Bastian clothing collection runway models. Bastian accepted the project, and now, the three companies were set to embark on a journey that was intended to be a dream team of efforts from the three talented entities. Did they succeed?</p>
<p>A few days ago from writing this post, the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing watch officially went on sale available exclusively to Gilt.com members. I don't at this time know the sales numbers, but since I was with the teams the evening before the sale began I was able to experience their excitement first hand. The energy was palpable, but so was the muted anxiety of selling a totally new type of product for them.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54764a1ceab8ea733ab21361-860-645/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-4-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 4"></p>
<h2>The Design</h2>
<p>You have to realize that an actual decision at HP needed to be made that their smartwatch was going to be attractive. It might seem incredibly obvious to watch lovers that a timepiece needs to be good looking, but I am telling you that this was (or still is) news to a lot of engineers. So when Apple goes on about how the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/apple-watch-hands-on-review/" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a>&nbsp;is the most personal thing they have designed, and how they need to give the consumers options to make them feel as though they are wearing something that feels individual, this is actually based in accumulated data and research that says "people like to wear stuff that looks good." A lot of this isn't obvious to people who produce technology that is more focused on functionality than looks.</p>
<p>So after HP came to the conclusion that something meant to be worn needed to look good, they needed to do their research. This, of course, involved going to Baselworld, but also investigating the larger universe of watch design. Hewlett-Packard did what Apple and others did, but I feel, in a shorter time. One of HP's proudest things to say about the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing watch is that it is produced using parts from "actual watch suppliers" - a fact that is clear, once you look at it and put the watch on your wrist. It is perhaps the first smartwatch I've put on that more-or-less has a case and strap that feel indistinguishable from traditional watches in the price range. That is a good thing, so mission accomplished on that end, for sure.</p>
<p>Gilt and Michael Bastian weren't only needed to help design the watch's exterior, but also to make sure it passed muster from a fashionable perspective. What I've come to understand more and more is that the tech companies aren't going to these fashion companies in order to make things that are on the cutting edge of fashion, they simply want to know that, from a visual standpoint, consumers will accept and adopt wearable tech. Something like the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is actually a pretty good example of that. Taking style cues from a number of modern sport watches ranging from Audemars piguet and IWC to Hublot, the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is good-looking enough to make your average consumer not consider it little more than a cool-looking digital watch.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54764a486da8110a6d6eb7a7-860-645/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-14-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 14"></p>
<p>Michael Bastian packages the Chronowing with three strap options, a changing tool, and an attractive box that looks like it would house a high-end mechanical wrist watch. In fact, if you didn't know it was there, you might easily miss the small flap you lift to find the USB charging dock for the watch. At 44mm wide, the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing wears like a large sports watch and it has a nicely finished steel case. There is also a limited edition version with a PVD-coated black steel case, but more on that later.</p>
<p>Michael Bastian informed me that he was heavily inspired by the look and feel of car dashboard instruments. He liked the way many modern cars mix technology with something familiar, as they combine both analog hands and digital screens. For that reason, the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing dial has a dedicated display for the time that uses analog hands on the LCD screen. Actually, this screen sometimes shows other information as well. The rear of the watch has Michael Bastian's "wing" logo deeply engraved into the caseback. For the most part, the quality is better than on most $350 watches. In fact, what I will say is that a lot of the tech companies producing "fashionable" smartwatches are really giving the traditional fashion watch industry a serious run for their money when it comes to quality.</p>
<p>The limited edition of 300 pieces version of the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing has three differences from the standard model. First, as I mentioned above, it has a black-colored case. It also comes with a single strap in black produced from alligator, and the crystal over the dial is sapphire crystal versus mineral crystal. For this you pay and extra $300 - which might seem like a lot, but is pretty reasonable, given watch industry standards. All in all, looking at the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing purely from a design perspective, for the money, is ain't half bad looking, is pleasantly derivative, and the quality is something that will satisfy consumers familiar with watches at these price levels. So what about how it functions as a smartwatch?</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54764a736bb3f75c4cb21361-783-586/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-12-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 12"></p>
<h2>The Smartwatch Functionality</h2>
<p>Here is where things get a bit more complicated, and I want to preface that statement with some introductory thoughts. This isn't the first or last time I am going to talk about smartwatches, and in each instance, I try to add some wisdom about the segment in general. No one is more bullish about smartwatches than I, but I am extremely realistic about where we are when it comes to the technology. I will say that, while the functionality of the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing isn't perfect, there really isn't much out there that is all that better. So in a sense, I feel like the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is more-or-less really good at what it does within a technology segment that is still very much in its infancy. Like infants, while items like the Chronowing look like a smartwatch and offer the basics of smartwatch connected functionality, it just isn't mature enough for the performance to be what it will be when it is more grown up.</p>
<p>Let's begin by reminding you that the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing, like most other smartwatches, must be paired with a phone. This is done by downloading the Chronowing software to your iPhone or Android-based phone. Using Bluetooth, the software is how your phone communicates with the smartwatch device. The software is also used for some of the basic settings for the watch - and currently, the settings are very basic. You are limited to things like rearranging the sequence of screens, and indicating what types of information are available at a glance. For instance, there are world time clocks, weather information, and a stock ticker. Though, you'll need to indicate what cities or stocks you want the watch to display/track via the app on your phone.</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54764aa26bb3f74748b2136d-860-644/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 2"></p>
<p>The software wasn't all that ready for prime time when I was testing it. For example, in the "world time" function, I wanted it to display the time for Geneva, Switzerland. It was only able to located places with the name "Geneva" in the United States. One feature I do like is that you can disable screens altogether. Don't want to check stocks and don't want that screen to be one that you cycle through? You can merely disable it in the app (though it isn't particularly obvious that you can).</p>
<p>One thing I would really like to see in the app functionality is the ability to have some customization in the items you see on the screen of the watch at any given time. There are bits and pieces of info on various screens that I want to see, and none that I really want as my home screen. For instance, I would like to see the time, weather prediction (with temperature), and sunset time on a single screen. It would all fit, but the watch doesn't give me the ability to do that. At least, not yet.</p>
<p>While you can adjust the types of notifications you get, you can't adjust how you get it, and you can't read more than a few words of incoming messages. The Michael Bastian MB Chronowing smartwatch does not beep but rather vibrates when there is a new alert. That could be a call, new e-mail, or text message. The alerts are all the same, and they are all non-customizable. I get that the watch is going for simplicity, but a little customization would be nice. I always want to comment about the vibration of the watch. For whatever reason, even though the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing watch is strapped to my wrist snugly, I feel as though the vibration of the alert is a bit distant, and too easy to not feel. While the Apple Watch is months off from being released, the "taptic feedback" of their alerting system is far superior.</p>
<p><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54764ac86bb3f75e4cb21361-860-644/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-15-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 15"></p>
<p>What I did find easy on the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing was looking at incoming messages and cycling through them. Doing so simply discards them from the counter of alerts on the smartwatch, but doesn't affect anything on the phone itself. That means your e-mails and texts will remain "unread." In fact, I will say that basic navigation via the three buttons on the Chronowing case is pretty good, once you understand how it works. The upper and lower buttons are mostly for scrolling through screens or messages, while the middle button is for selecting something, or being pressed down to go back or to the home screen.</p>
<p>Pressing down the upper button for a few seconds activates the backlight, which also temporarily switches the LCD display from a "negative display" to a positive one, for greater legibility. It is a neat trick. Speaking of legibility, the screen is legible enough for a simple monochromatic LCD display, but the smaller dial to tell the time can be tough to read. While I like the insistence on having an analog dial, it would have been nice to have more digital options or something to really enhance legibility when it comes to reading the time.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54764afaecad04a02567cf35-859-645/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-18-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 18"></p>
<p>Unlike some other smartwatches, the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing doesn't have a high-resolution color screen, and no touch functionality. While basic looking, with only 128x128 resolution, it does offer a lot more battery life than watches with bright color screens. HP says that most people will get about a week of battery life with the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing watch. Even just a few days of juice is better than what most of the competition has, which is mostly less than a day.</p>
<p>I think HP's focus on these more simple smartwatch devices has some merit to it. While Google and Apple (and others) focus on very complicated devices with lovely screens, they are going to be hampered by the state of battery technology - which just isn't up to the task yet for the most advanced types of smartwatches. These more simple types of smartwatches which focus more on basic notifications are a lot more realistic and practical to develop on, for the time being. They also might have a lot more appeal to consumers who have yet to really understand how smartwatches can be incorporated into their lives.</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54764b42ecad04cc2a67cf34-860-645/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-5-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 5"></p>
<h2>The State Of Smartwatch Technology</h2>
<p>While software and hardware developers can fantasize about what the future of wearable technology is like, sometimes it feels like they are dreaming about space travel to other galaxies while we are still using 1980s era rockets for propulsion. That might be an over simplification, but the comparison I am trying to draw relates to current battery technology. While many companies are hard at work on a new crop of battery technology, that tech isn't going to be here in time for the holidays, let alone the holidays for the next few years to come. A wise goal for a smartwatch maker (as evidenced by the success of Pebble) is to leverage low power consumption screens and simple functionality in order to maximize the utility of smartwatches today, versus push them into places they might not be ready for yet.</p>
<p>Speaking of battery life, the issue extends to your phone as well. Connecting a Bluetooth smartwatch to your mobile phone has a very noticeable effect on battery life. I would say that, on average, my Apple iPhone 6 Plus went through about 3-5 times as much battery life while connected to the Chronowing than when not connected to anything via Bluetooth. Here again, is an instance where HP and the Chronowing cannot really be "blamed" for not using battery life well. The issue isn't HP or the watch, the issue is merely Bluetooth, and that it was simply not designed to exist between two devices that communicate all the time. Bluetooth was originally designed for high-rate data transfer between two devices within a close proximity, and for there to be more than a single connection between two devices. Bluetooth was not designed to act as a perpetual communication protocol between two devices that need to constantly "listen" to one another. In my opinion, while Bluetooth has gotten better over the years, it is an inherently flawed solution for smartwatches to communicate with their host phone device.</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/54764b6decad048e2967cf36-860-645/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-22-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 22"></p>
<p>None of what I am pointing out is news to smartwatch engineers, and the good folks at Hewlett-Packard, Google, Apple, and others are aware of this. They are in the midst of trying to legitimize a segment, while meeting the demands of both consumers and investors. It is a tough place to be, but the future still seems really bright. The most positive thing that any smartwatch engineer can say is that they continually make progress, and that any consumer or critic of their devices must realize that much of what is being released now is simply part of a larger evolution and development lineage.</p>
<p>In some sense, none of the consumer-available smartwatch technology available today is ready for mass consumption, given what tech nerds like me demand. On the other hand, there is a lot to be said about seeing how consumers respond, testing the market, and using the growth of the industry to help fuel and fund the development of what comes next.</p>
<p><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54764b996da8115e776eb7a9-858-644/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 3"></p>
<h2>Competition &amp; Ideal Consumer</h2>
<p>It isn't clear to me what most consumers interested in smartwatches are looking for. If they are looking for a very good reason to replace their traditional watches, then many of them are going to have to keep waiting. While smartwatches are great at getting the most current (and local) time from your smartphone and putting it on your wrist, they aren't nearly as legible or convenient to use as most traditional watches. Either the screen has readability issues or the screen must be first switched on before reading the time. My Omega Speedmaster with is 1960s time-keeping technology does it better than that. So for the time being, traditional watch owners looking for a compelling reason to go down the smartwatch route can keep waiting a bit longer.</p>
<p>The more likely consumer of a Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is the type of consumer who doesn't wear a watch at all right now. These people might very well be interesting in a good looking smartwatch that at least offers them more than they have right now. For what it is, the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing functions OK, at least as good as most people might expect, given current technology as well as smartwatch UI refinement. Perhaps the biggest selling point of the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is that it is the first consumer available smartwatch I've seen that isn't likely to repel women. All that consumer research tech companies do about smartwatches needing to look good and being fashionable can be boiled down to one simple concept. Any smartwatch will be OK so long as it doesn't turn off a potential mate. Ideally, it might help attract one.</p>
<p>From a price, style, and functionality perspective, the only currently available competition for the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is perhaps the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/arieladams/2014/09/17/meta-watch-m1-smartwatch-frank-nuovo/" target="_blank">Meta M1 (hands-on here)</a>&nbsp;smartwatch. Each is designed to be interesting looking, have several days of battery life, be mostly about notifications, and have an always-on LCD screen. The style of each is different, but thematically, they are similar. The Meta M1 has a more futuristic look, while the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing is more about looking like a modern traditional sports watch.<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54764bc3eab8ea1b42b21361-860-644/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-7-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 7"></p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54764bed6bb3f72e4db21365-665-499/michael-bastian-mb-chronowing-smartwatch-review-6-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Michael Bastian MB Chronowing Smartwatch Review 6" width="762" height="572"></p>
<p>My feelings about the Michael Bastian MB Chronowing are positive, but my larger feelings about the smartwatch segment are still reserved. I will be the first person to announce that "we have made it" with a truly appealing smartwatch that will be a good buy for most consumers. Smartwatches right now are products that do work, have some downsides, and that show incredible promise for the future.</p>
<p>In fact, part of me feels that HP knows this so well, they are happy to sit in the background a bit because they see all this as a test to develop, improve, and analyze how and why people use their smartwatch device UI. If that is true, then their move is sort of brilliant and everyone benefits from it in the end. Gilt gets to be the exclusive vendor of a novel product and Michael Bastian gets to be the first fashion designer to step into the smartwatch world. The Michael Bastian MB Chronowing smartwatch retails for&nbsp;$349&nbsp;available exclusively&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gilt.com/sale/men/mm/michael-bastian-x-hewlettpackard-1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">via Gilt here</a>.</p>
<h1>Necessary Data:</h1>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Brand:</span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;Michael Bastian (and Hewlett-Packard)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Model:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;MB Chronowing</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Price:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;$349 ($649 for the limited edition)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Size:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;44 mm</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Would reviewer personally wear it:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;Sometimes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Friend we'd recommend it to first:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;Non-current watch wearer looking for a basic smartwatch with some sex appeal.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Best characteristic of watch:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;Got the design part right. Simple UI that is easy to learn. Good starter smartwatch until the tech gets more advanced.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Worst characteristic of watch:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;Significant draw on phone battery life. Limited screen customization options.</span></li>
</ul><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-gadget-gifts-you-can-buy-this-year-2014-11" >The Best Gadgets You Can Buy This Holiday Season</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T FORGET:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Businessinsider.Life" >Follow Business Insider's Life On Facebook!</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/review-michael-bastian-smart-watch-2014-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/you-can-trick-out-your-smartwatch-to-make-it-look-like-a-rolex-2014-11You Can Trick Out Your Smartwatch To Make It Look Like A Rolexhttp://www.businessinsider.com/you-can-trick-out-your-smartwatch-to-make-it-look-like-a-rolex-2014-11
Mon, 17 Nov 2014 12:35:00 -0500Ariel Adams
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/546a2dffeab8ea7f720551bc-860-860/anroid-wear-watch-faces-14.jpg" border="0" alt="Anroid Wear Watch Faces 14"></p><p>The exciting thing about smartwatches is that most smartwatch operating systems now available offer users the ability to not only change their watch faces, but to also upload customized ones.</p>
<p>A website called&nbsp;<a href="http://facerepo.com/app/" target="_blank" title="FaceRepo Website" rel="nofollow">FaceRepo.com</a>&nbsp;(Face Repository) is one of several places where people can browse free watch dial faces (and later paid ones, I am sure) for Android Wear-based smartwatches like the Moto 360, Samsung Gear, LG G, and many other upcoming Android Wear operating system-based devices.</p>
<p>While the operating system does come with a few watch dials, the beauty for wearers is the amazing customization features that they offer.</p>
<p>Even though smartwatch adoption is still very limited among consumers, I was thrilled to see the incredible variety as well as creativity that you'll find on FaceRepo when it comes to the user-generated watch Android Wear smartwatch dials available for free download.</p>
<p>What immediately came to mind was a time, perhaps a decade or more ago, when mobile phones began to really allow for user customization.</p>
<p>In addition to basic things like ring tones, people began to wildly personalize their mobile phones with unique backgrounds and other "skins" based on a range of things that they liked.</p>
<p>The practice has become far less common these days, even though people do often set custom smartphone backgrounds. Though, tinkering enthusiasts will always find ways of making their devices their own.</p>
<p>What makes things particularly interesting about customizing the look of the dial on a smartwatch is that you enter an area of both artistic and functional creativity.<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/546a2e37ecad048819e99724-860-860/anroid-wear-watch-faces-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Anroid Wear Watch Faces 2"></p>
<p>Several years ago, a company called&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/hd3-slyde-watch-review/" target="_blank">Slyde (hands-on review here)</a>&nbsp;was a bit ahead of its time in offering a luxury digital watch designed to have swappable "engines." These were essentially skins that allowed you to have a custom look to the various available screens which offers functionality like the time, calendars, world time indicators, etc...</p>
<p>The promise by Slyde was that in a single device, you could have a rich assortment of variety in the way time was displayed, but not be bogged down by traditional considerations of the limitations of a mechanical watch. With the advent of the smartwatch era, the promise of Slyde will now become much more mainstream.</p>
<p>People can explore the wonderful diversity of watch dials on an inexpensive device and switch at will without any major complexity or cost.</p>
<p>What has made watch dials unique over the last 200 years or so is that, while there are tried and true ways of indicating the time and other corollary information on a watch dial, designers, for whatever reason, desire to explore new ways of indicating information.</p>
<p>This creative drive has helped us experience a wonderfully diverse universe of watch designs - most of which are designed to do the exact same thing. With user-customizable smartwatches now increasingly available, the democratization of watch dial variety is here.</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/546a2e6decad04d01ae9971c-860-860/anroid-wear-watch-faces-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Anroid Wear Watch Faces 1">&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Many of the most popular watch faces on FaceRepo are actually reproductions of existing mechanical watches from both popular, and sometimes niche brands. That latter element is particularly interesting to me, and it is an indication of how deeply mechanical watches have been able to penetrate the "nerd culture" (which I am a proud member of). </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Therefore, in addition to all the Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, Bell &amp; Ross, Bulova, and other mainstream brands who have dials made in their "honor," you see dials based on brands like Xemex, Bremont, MIH, A. Lange &amp; Sohne, and many more. It is truly inspiring to see that technically proficient mechanical watch lovers have translated their passion into a hobby for creating their favorite dials for use on smartwatches.</span></p>
<p>Let's be clear that none of these watch brand dials are official. Some might even technically be infringements of IP rights, but brands would be unwise to pursue legal action against fans who've taken the time to digitize their favorite Omega or other dial for use on their Android Wear smartwatch.</p>
<p>The smart Swiss watch brands know that this is more or less free advertising, and in the future, I am sure many will offer official apps that allow fans to experiment with the look of their watch dials before making purchase decisions.<img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/546a2ea6eab8ea15720551c6-860-779/anroid-wear-watch-faces-25.jpg" border="0" alt="Anroid Wear Watch Faces 25"></p>
<p>Some watch brands, however, might feel differently, and there are bound to be some conflicts between rights holders and smartwatch dial makers. There are two legitimate complaints that I can foresee a major watch brand having in regard to creating smartwatch versions of their watch dials - whether they create it or someone else does in an unofficial manner.</p>
<p>In fact, I've spoken to several brands about this, and while some are bullish about the idea of having their dials on digital screens, others feel that doing so might diminish the value of their brands. Their concern, first and foremost, is that a flat digital version of their dials will never come close to looking like the "real thing," and that consumer might never understand what they are missing.</p>
<p>More practically, I think their second concern is a bit more valid. It is that unofficial "replicas" of their dials in digital form might not be "perfect," and will confuse people when it comes to knowing what their dials actually look like or how their watches perform.</p>
<p>True enough, a survey of the many watch faces on FaceRepo finds many homages to actual watches that are just plain wrong. Sometimes, the design has included various enhancements to build upon the ability for a smartwatch to indicate lots of useful information, such as calendar and weather data.</p>
<p>Other times, these homage Android Wear smartwatch dials aren't even of "real" watches but of fakes. Yes, you can find Android Wear watch faces inspired by fake versions of real watches. However, I think the value to the watch industry of participating in the smartwatch watch face game outweighs the potential risks.</p>
<p>First of all, no one will mistake a smartwatch for a real mechanical watch. Second, the positive name recognition and branding benefits of having limitless consumers "try before they buy" is potentially priceless.<img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/546a2ee16bb3f7de02f52cee-860-810/anroid-wear-watch-faces-29.jpg" border="0" alt="Anroid Wear Watch Faces 29"></p>
<p>&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">What is perhaps even more interesting than all the "actual" watch dials people transform into faces for Android Wear devices are all the original ones. Dials come in both round and square variants (because smartwatches come with both round and square dials) and are either fantasy creations or unique dials which showcase the creative approach by a new generation of information display designers. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">This approach to creating a display meant to offer both information as well as emotion or lifestyle is nothing new, but being able to do so specifically for a watch face is still pretty novel. What I find interesting is how people adapt familiar things into displays for the time (and other data) borrowed from popular science fiction franchises, consumer products, sports teams, movies, and other items of importance in pop culture.</span></p>
<p>For every 20 watch faces an eager young designer produces, there there are perhaps one or two good ones, but that is OK. You must value the heedless experimentation inevitable in a new segment. What a lot of designers actually do is take existing pictures of watches and carefully cut out components like the hands in order to produce individual elements that live over software meant to display the time, etc... It is both an artistic and scientific task, and it isn't always done perfectly. We are still in the wild west when it comes to the independent design of dials for smartwatches.<img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/546a2f136bb3f71e7df52d09-860-860/anroid-wear-watch-faces-15.jpg" border="0" alt="Anroid Wear Watch Faces 15"></p>
<p>Perhaps the most thrilling element of all is that smartwatch may very well usher in a new golden age for the wrist watch. Timepiece enthusiasts who frequent places like aBlogtoWatch aren't who I am referring to, but rather, the masses who have abandoned the wrist watch as soon as it was no longer as useful and practical as it once was, starting about 15 to 20 years ago.</p>
<p>The proliferation of the smartwatch has the potential to change that, as useful connected devices on our wrists prove more than mere toys, but bona fide necessities that many people agree they don't want to live without; very much like they did with the mobile phone back in the 1990s.</p>
<p>I am quite excited to see more and more quality Android Wear and other smartwatch devices such as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ablogtowatch.com/apple-watch-hands-on-review/" target="_blank">Apple Watch</a>&nbsp;enter the market and offer consumers a variety of choice when it comes to what they want to see when the screens of their smartwatches are activated. It will also be a huge business opportunity for those who are able to produce the best watch faces as well as traditional watch brands that want to make their distinctive designs as popular as possible.</p>
<p>Perhaps just as interesting is the promise of automated variety in your smartwatch dials. For instance a new Android Wear app called "FaceLift" (still in beta testing at the time of writing) automatically changes the watch face on your smartwatch device without having to go in there and change the settings. With apps like FaceLift - and the rest that will follow - many people will have the ability to enjoy a great variety of styles on their wrist without having to do anything extra.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/you-can-trick-out-your-smartwatch-to-make-it-look-like-a-rolex-2014-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/insider-picks-wearable-tech-2014-11Here Are 15 Hi-Tech Timepieces You'll Actually Want On Your Wristhttp://www.businessinsider.com/insider-picks-wearable-tech-2014-11
Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:01:00 -0500Insider Picks
<p class="p1">The Apple Watch has something left to be desired. It's bright and bulky, and looks like a bad&nbsp;<a href="http://www.astrosurf.com/luxorion/Illustrations/star-trek-themotion.jpg"><span class="s1">Star Trek</span></a>&nbsp;prop.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Insider Picks has put together a list 15 wearable tech pieces that you'll actually&nbsp;<em>want</em>&nbsp;on your wrist.</p>
<p class="p1">We know, it sounds unbelievable — but take a look. You may be surprised to see what's actually out there.<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G9N3I7O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00G9N3I7O&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=QHPT2U4A557RRKYM"><img class="float_left" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5460444e6da8111b180c7938-300-/screen%20shot%202014-11-09%20at%2011.50.52%20pm.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G9N3I7O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00G9N3I7O&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=G6246RGLPZHX2KZ5">Misfit Shine Activity and Sleep Monitor</a></strong></span><span class="s3"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$99.99</span><strong> $82.99|&nbsp;</strong>Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">The Misfit is an activity and sleep monitor that emits a "halo of lights" showing your daily activity progress. It tracks running, walking, cycling, and swimming up to 50 meters deep. (Yup, it's waterproof, too.) Plus the battery lasts really long, so you don't need to worry about that. Oh and, did we mention that it looks like a nice watch?</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2BVOUE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00N2BVOUE&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=OSH5KO3W32EF63IW"><img class="float_left" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/546044ce6bb3f72837caf148-263-265/screen%20shot%202014-11-09%20at%2011.53.08%20pm.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2BVOUE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00N2BVOUE&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=K4QCLQSG35JETRDG">Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Wristband</a></strong></span><span class="s3">&nbsp;$129.95 | Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">The Fitbit is a minimalist's dream — the wristband is small, sleek, and sophisticated. It tracks the number of steps you take, how many floors you've climbed, how far you've traveled, the calories burned, and how long you've been active during the day. Plus it comes with caller ID. Done.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;<span class="float_left" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J8LVJ98/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00J8LVJ98&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=63CE6JBFNHDDNBUO"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/54635dc26da811222483136a-273-336/screen%20shot%202014-11-12%20at%208.16.12%20am.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 11 12 at 8.16.12 AM" width="300"></a></span><span class="float_left" style="line-height: 1.5em;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J8LVJ98/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00J8LVJ98&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=63CE6JBFNHDDNBUO">Withings Plus O2 Activity</a></strong></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$119.95</span> <strong>$117.27</strong>| Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">The Withings Plus 02 is an activity, sleep, and heart rate tracker that connects with both iPhones and Android. It tracks your steps, running, elevation, distance traveled, and how many calories you've burned. Style-wise, it has that "hey, I miss the 90's" thing going on. And if you're feeling particularly bold, it comes in light blue, as well.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKNDDNK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IKNDDNK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=CYQ4GAQYVJ535IWZ"><img class="float_left" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/546048436bb3f7974bcaf14a-610-534/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.07.49%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKNDDNK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IKNDDNK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=655CY573HQ4Y72IH"></a></strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKNDDNK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IKNDDNK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=655CY573HQ4Y72IH">Garmin Fenix 2 Performance Bundle</a></strong></span><span class="s3"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>$449.99<strong>|&nbsp;</strong>Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">If you're a skier, you may want to check out this high-end machine. The Garmin Fenix 2 comes with all the basic fitness training, swimming and running trackers, but it also comes with a "ski mode." The ski mode measures your 3D distance, time, vertical drop, total runs, and tracks your history of runs. Oh and we almost forgot: there's a GPS navigator in this thing, too.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JBJ3HQ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JBJ3HQ0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=2IWET4MSS5P3O7N4"><img class="float_left" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5460495269bedd3f6ccaf148-609-522/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.12.20%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JBJ3HQ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JBJ3HQ0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=MMVM5LGQGJPHEF4A"></a></strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JBJ3HQ0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JBJ3HQ0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=MMVM5LGQGJPHEF4A">Samsung Gear 2 Smartwatch</a></strong></span><span class="s3">&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$299.99</span> <strong>$279.95</strong>| Amazon Prime&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="p1">The Samsung lets you receive instant notifications, comes with a fitness motivator, and has a built in camera — in case you needed to snap a photo while getting your sweat on. The biggest downside of this one is that it's only compatible with Samsung phones like the Galaxy S5.&nbsp;</p>
<hr><hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQB1JES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00GQB1JES&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=6C46MHFBRAUIO5IH"><img class="float_left" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/54604b7e6da811803c0c7937-573-317/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.21.28%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQB1JES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00GQB1JES&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=CM6ABVPK3U7XGTKD">UP 24 Bluetooth-</a></strong><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQB1JES/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00GQB1JES&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=CM6ABVPK3U7XGTKD">Enabled Wristband by Jawbone</a>&nbsp;</strong><span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$129</span><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;"> $118.02|&nbsp;</strong><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">If you're not really a watch person, and are looking for the barely-there fitness tracker, then this one's for you. Plus, the Jawbone Wristband is loaded with punches: it tracks your steps, exercise, hours and quality of sleep, and calorie and nutrient intake. And you can also set an alarm and receive vibrating messages.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGM1QCO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JGM1QCO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=BSNOPSZYDJT4J762"><img class="float_left" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54604d6f6da811f5410c7936-435-281/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.29.55%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGM1QCO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JGM1QCO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=3G4LZ6XWU6JR5P7X"></a></strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGM1QCO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00JGM1QCO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=3G4LZ6XWU6JR5P7X">Samsung Gear Fit</a></strong></span><span class="s3">&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$199</span> <strong>$123.99</strong>| Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">The Samsung Gear Fit is dust- and water- resistant, and it's pretty light and un-flashy. It comes with personalized fitness motivator that senses your heart rate and then gives you real-time coaching. Plus you can even reject phone calls with messages straight from the wristband — which will certainly come in handy as you're working out.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OGUEB8M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OGUEB8M&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=WGYOWB4IRHABHJKD"><img class="float_left" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54604de7eab8ea3f3caeb13f-430-276/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.31.34%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OGUEB8M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OGUEB8M&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=BGEPEH5WCTHSYXXY"></a></strong></p>
<p class="p2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OGUEB8M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OGUEB8M&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=BGEPEH5WCTHSYXXY">Sony Smartband SWR30</a></strong><span class="s3">&nbsp;(black and white) $169.99 | Amazon</span></p>
<p class="p1">You make calls straight from this "smartband," and you can also see and open messages that you're getting on your phone. Plus, it's waterproof.&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQIFKWW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00HQIFKWW&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=RHETBPEEUDLALDGB"><img class="float_left" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54604e8a69bedde807caf148-436-320/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.34.33%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a></strong></span><span class="s2" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQIFKWW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00HQIFKWW&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=4JLPJGVD2ZLCSLGD">Sony Smartband SWR 10</a></strong></span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$149.99</span> <strong>$77.49</strong>| Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">A different Sony Smartband — but this one comes without a screen. Instead, when you get a message it simply vibrates. Like the previous model, it's also waterproof and connects over bluetooth.&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><strong><a href="http://www.att.com/wearables/lg-g-watch-r.html#sku=sku7460644"><img class="float_left" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/54604f3d6bb3f7ad69caf144-439-404/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.37.24%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OPTN61W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OPTN61W&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=J2OQ2ICB7Y4DMAR2"></a></strong></p>
<p class="p2"><strong><a href="http://www.att.com/wearables/lg-g-watch-r.html#sku=sku7460644">LG G Watch R W110</a>&nbsp;</strong>$299<strong>|&nbsp;</strong><span class="s3">AT&amp;T</span></p>
<p class="p1">You'd never guess that this is wearable tech, would you? This amazing looking piece connects with Android TM 4.3 or higher, and gives you notifications about missed calls, messages, upcoming meetings, events, and even local weather forecasts. Plus, it's also water- and dust-proof.&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NC8PMUK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00NC8PMUK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=HTMSRMO6DMCXGRV6"><img class="float_left" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5460506b6bb3f7d36acaf14c-434-500/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.42.30%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a></strong></span><span class="s2" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NC8PMUK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00NC8PMUK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=3FZMABOVDOPLNHK2">Moto 360 Black Leather Smartwatch</a></strong></span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>$301<strong>|&nbsp;</strong>Amazon</span></p>
<p class="p1">Another sleek option that looks like a regular, stylish watch. The strap is genuine leather, and the face is made of stainless steel — so you don't need to trade in style for functionality. This gadget responds to your voice, acts as an activity tracker, and tracks steps and calories. The only downside is that it only hooks up with Android 4.3 or higher.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0C5R0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00BF0C5R0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=TIK4OBKPSTLYGWRZ"><img class="float_left" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54605123ecad049b0a633941-430-433/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.45.38%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0C5R0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00BF0C5R0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=2IUNKCDDHQYTZBNQ"></a></strong></span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BF0C5R0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00BF0C5R0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=2IUNKCDDHQYTZBNQ">COOKOO Smart Bluetooth Connected Watch</a></strong></span><span class="s3">&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$129.99</span> <strong>$119.87</strong> | Amazon Prime</span></p>
<p class="p1">Surprisingly, this one is compatible with both Android 4.3 and 4.4, as well as with iOS 6 and 7. You can connect to several Facebook features including check-in and location tagging. And on top of that, you can remotely trigger your phone's camera.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s2"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB2XNCE?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B00FB2XNCE&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;tag=thebusiinsi-20"><img class="float_left" src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5463c8c4ecad04811f82344e-367-412/screen%20shot%202014-11-12%20at%203.52.48%20pm.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 11 12 at 3.52.48 PM" width="300"></a></strong></span><span class="s2" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB2XNCE?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B00FB2XNCE&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;tag=thebusiinsi-20">Sony Smart Watch SW2 for Android</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB2XNCE?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creativeASIN=B00FB2XNCE&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;tag=thebusiinsi-20"></a></strong></span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$199.95</span>&nbsp;<strong>$138.18 |&nbsp;</strong>Amazon</span></p>
<p class="p1">This Sony smart watch is a regular, stand-alone watch that comes can access Facebook, Twitter, sports apps, a music player, messages, calls, and calendar via its Bluetooth function. It's a little on the bulky side, however.</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OI0X2Q2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OI0X2Q2&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=APLJEPT4OIDDDVPZ"><img class="float_left" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/54635f8a6da8114a2c831367-203-226/screen shot 2014-11-12 at 8.24.02 am.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 11 12 at 8.24.02 AM"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OI0X2Q2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00OI0X2Q2&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=biwearables-20&amp;linkId=APLJEPT4OIDDDVPZ">Sony Mobile Sony SW3 Smartwatch 3</a>&nbsp;</strong>$249.99<strong>|&nbsp;</strong>Amazon&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span>This new smartwatch is powered by Android Wear and gets you your notifications and responds to voice commands. On the fitness end, it has light sensors, an accelerometer, and a GPS built in. Plus, it's waterproof.</span>&nbsp;</p>
<hr>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><img class="float_left" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/546052d36da811d5580c7947-679-633/screen%20shot%202014-11-10%20at%2012.52.30%20am.png" border="0" alt="insider picks" width="300"></p>
<p class="p1">And the crème de la crème: the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.withings.com/us/withings-activite.html?clickid=wVmW2WVWYWgFXQAx1nzS0RZJUkQXm1XVz1WsUM0"><span class="s4"><strong>Withings Activité</strong></span></a>&nbsp;$450 | Withings</p>
<p class="p1">Now this —&nbsp;<em>this</em>&nbsp;is a watch. And what's more, it's Swiss made. This smartwatch tracks your steps (it hooks up to your smartphone), monitors your sleep patterns, can log your swimming workouts, has an 8-month battery, and way more. And, of course, it's a beautiful piece even without all of the extra tech elements (it comes in black, too). &nbsp;Pre-order it now.</p>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insider-picks-wearable-tech-2014-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/8-hi-tech-watches-that-also-look-cool-2014-108 Hi-Tech Watches That Also Look Coolhttp://www.businessinsider.com/8-hi-tech-watches-that-also-look-cool-2014-10
Tue, 28 Oct 2014 11:56:00 -0400Stephanie Tseng
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/544e6cd669bedda56a911e8f-916-451/watches-4.jpg" border="0" alt="High Tech Watches" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">While wearable tech is all the rage right now with the forthcoming Apple Watch (which isn't launching until early 2015, FYI), there are still other fun watches that function more on the stylish side. Watches are definitely an important accessory apart from being a necessity, but when it comes to aesthetics, a statement timepiece can make or break your outfit.</span></p>
<p><span>Click through for some of our favorite stand-out watches to up your arm party this fall.</span></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/8-hi-tech-watches-that-also-look-cool-2014-10#1-the-modify-watch-1"><span>Click here to see the watches »</span></a></h3><h3>1. The Modify Watch </h3>
<img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/544e6d9d6bb3f7fd2d911e8a-400-300/1-the-modify-watch.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span>Modify Watches are a brand of fun and unique watches, featuring an interchangeable color face and straps, allowing for customers to design the perfect watch to match their style. </span></p>
<p><span>These affordable timepieces start at $20 for the faces and straps start at $10. The brand also has ready to wear pieces featuring your favorite sports team, supporting non profits, and more.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://rstyle.me/n/r566nx7v6" target="_blank">Snowflake Watch in a Black Strap</a><span>, $43</span></span></p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>2. The Bradley Watch</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/544e6ddaecad042a68911e8e-400-300/2-the-bradley-watch.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p>The Bradley Watch is not a wristwatch, it is a&nbsp;<em>timepiece</em>. The project was created by engineers, product designers, and people with vision loss.</p>
<p>Inspired by Bradley Snyder who lost his vision serving in Afghanistan, the watch not only allows you to see what time it is, it also allows you to feel what time it is through its tactile surface.</p>
<p><a href="http://shopna.eone-time.com/" target="_blank">Bradley Classic Mesh</a>, $285</p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>3. Qlocktwo </h3>
<img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/544e6e10eab8eaec46911e8d-400-300/3-qlocktwo.jpg" alt="" />
<p><p><span>Qlocktwo is essentially a watch without numbers or hands, instead time is indicated in readable texts. The square watch face contains a uniform grid of 110 letters, and when the button is pressed, the characters light up on the wristwatch, stating time like, &ldquo;it is half past seven.&rdquo; </span></p>
<p><span>The design is minimalist to say the least, but brings an interesting experience for the watch wearer that makes you aware of the moment you&rsquo;re in.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://www.lightology.com/index.php?module=prod_detail&amp;prod_id=235503&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=products&amp;utm_content=W1ENBLRBL2&amp;gclid=CIeUnZGkw8ECFWVp7AodaE8AJw" target="_blank">Qlocktwo Fine Steel Wrist Watch</a><span>, $1250</span> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: ff-tisa-web-pro, Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; white-space: pre-line; background-color: #f7f7f7;">&nbsp;</span></p></p>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/8-hi-tech-watches-that-also-look-cool-2014-10#4-the-nixon-lodown-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/this-smart-watch-shows-how-much-time-you-have-left-to-live-2014-10This Smart Watch Shows How Much Time You Have Left To Livehttp://www.businessinsider.com/this-smart-watch-shows-how-much-time-you-have-left-to-live-2014-10
Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:26:00 -0400Allison Jackson
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5438162869beddbd2a4e1bef-952-547/tikker_death_watch_1.png" border="0" alt="tikker"></p><p>Smartwatches can tell you all sorts of useful things, like how many calories you've burned or how far you've walked or, even, what time it is.</p>
<p>Now there's one model that can tell you the precise time you are going to die. Well, sort of.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dubbed “the death watch,”&nbsp;<a href="http://mytikker.com/">Tikker</a>&nbsp;calculates the wearer’s life expectancy based on their age, gender and medical history, and then counts down to the moment they can expect to take their last gasp.</p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5254432fecad046374e390bc-966-567/tikkercarousel1.jpg" border="0" alt="Tikker">The unlikely inventor of this ghoulish gadget is Swedish author and publisher&nbsp;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_David_California" target="_blank">Fredrik Colting</a>, who is better known for his&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12181223" target="_blank">controversial</a>&nbsp;novel “60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye,” the so-called unauthorized sequel to J. D. Salinger’s classic “The Catcher in the Rye.”</p>
<p>Colting’s book, which the Swede wrote under the pseudonym John David California, is banned in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.globalpost.com/internal/section-config/americas">North America</a>&nbsp;following a copyright dispute with Salinger and, after the author’s death in January 2010, his estate.</p>
<p>That Colting used to be a gravedigger at a cemetery near Gothenburg before swapping a shovel for a pen might explain his morbid interest in death.</p>
<p>The watch face displays three rows: the top two rows show the years, months, days, hours, minutes and seconds the wearer has left in the world. The bottom row shows the actual time in case you are interested in that sort of thing.</p>
<p>These are guesstimates at best, of course. No watch is THAT smart (yet).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Despite its shortcomings — i.e. probably inaccuracy — Colting hopes the wristwatch will help people&nbsp;<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/8497/files/tikker_pressrelease2.pdf?326" target="_blank">“make better choices”</a>&nbsp;with the time they have left. That’s if the stress of watching their life tick away doesn’t leave them totally paralyzed.</p>
<p>“The occurrence of death is no surprise to anyone, but in our modern society we rarely talk about it,”&nbsp;<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0225/8497/files/tikker_pressrelease2.pdf?326" target="_blank">Colting said.</a>&nbsp;“I think that if we were more aware of our own expiration I’m sure we’d make better choices while we are alive.”</p>
<p>Colting said he began shipping Tikker watches in July after raising nearly $100,000 on the crowdfunding site&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/259499751/tikker-the-wrist-watch-that-counts-down-your-life" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a>. So far he has sold about 5,000 watches, which have a $79 price tag, to customers around the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tick tock.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/this-smart-watch-shows-how-much-time-you-have-left-to-live-2014-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/ringly-2014-10I Thought All Wearables Were Hideous And Vowed To Never Buy One — Until I Saw Thishttp://www.businessinsider.com/ringly-2014-10
Tue, 07 Oct 2014 15:46:00 -0400Alyson Shontell
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/539c51abeab8ea6f58a4271b-815-460/screen shot 2014-06-14 at 9.43.46 am.png" border="0" alt="Ringly"></p><p>There's an ugly truth about smart watches: No matter which company designs them, they're all hideous.</p>
<p>I haven't spoken to a single woman who wants one. Finding a guy who wants one is difficult as well. I've only seen one in the wild, on a Twitter PR person. Tech investor Marc Andreessen is the only person I can think of who's excited to buy one.</p>
<p>I'm not a fashion snob. I have <a href="https://twitter.com/ajs/status/512064041125445632">some cute $30 shoes from Ross</a>. I wear a few rings and things. I also own a stylish gold watch which I was given for Valentine's Day. But I have no desire to replace my Marc Jacobs bling with a gadget that buzzes, blinks or beeps alongside my cell phone.</p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/54343f86eab8eaac68b602c1-901-675/ringly-cofounders-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Ringly Cofounders">So, even after Apple unveiled three different smart watch designs, I vowed to never buy a wearable, and certainly not a smart watch.</p>
<p>But while compiling our annual SA 100 list (which comes out tomorrow), I took a closer look at <a href="https://ringly.com/">Ringly</a>.</p>
<p>Ringly is a New York-based startup that looks like something you'd find in a boutique, not an Apple store.</p>
<p>It's a chunky gold ring with a beautiful gem in the center. It could be made by Bauble Bar and sold on Gilt Groupe. Instead, it's made by two young founders, <span>Christina Mercando and Logan Munro. It raised $1 million from investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Brooklyn Bridge Ventures and First Round Capital.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><img class="float_left" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/54343fa16bb3f72209b602c5-443-509/screen shot 2014-10-07 at 3.29.26 pm.png" border="0" alt="ringly">But the ring does more than just look pretty — it vibrates subtly when a text message from an important contact comes in or a notification from a favorite app is sent. It also gives a gentle buzz when you get a call from someone you love.</p>
<p>There's a tiny light on the side of the ring. Other than that, it looks like a normal piece of costume jewelry. It's even made out of 18K gold and semi-precious stones.</p>
<p>The price is a little steep at nearly $200. Yet this morning I found myself on Ringly's site with two rings in my pre-order shopping cart.</p>
<p>(My sister, who is far more stylish than I am, has a few rings that look just like it and she never hears her phone when it rings. It'd make a fun Christmas present).</p>
<p>I'm tempted, for the first time ever, to splurge on a wearable for her, my mom and maybe even myself.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The problem with wearable solutions from Apple, Samsung, Google and LG is they make you look like a walking computer. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/billie-whitehouse-and-wearable-experiments-2014-8">Billie Whitehouse</a>, a fashion-wearables designer in NYC, thinks that's a fatal flaw. She's designed wearables like a responsive sports jersey, the Alert Shirt, and Navigate, a blazer that has a vibrating GPS built into the shoulder pads.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/54343fcc69beddb922e562e9-1047-241/screen%20shot%202014-10-07%20at%203.29.03%20pm.png" border="0" alt="ringly" width="800">"<span>We don’t want you to be a flashing light," Whitehouse said at a design and idea-centric conference, PSFK. "We don’t want you to look or feel like a computer." Ringly may be the first tech startup that gets this, and understands what women want.</span></p>
<p><span>I'm not drawn to Ringly because of the technology. I'm drawn to it because it's a ring I'd actually want to own, with or without the mobile notifications. &nbsp;The fact that it syncs with my iPhone is just an additional perk, not the selling factor.</span></p>
<p><span>I haven't bought or worn a Ringly yet. But for the first time ever, I'm excited to hunt down a wearable and try it on.</span></p>
<p><span><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/54343fe5ecad0418393301b7-1188-669/screen%20shot%202014-10-07%20at%203.30.47%20pm.png" border="0" alt="ringly" width="800"><br></span></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ringly-2014-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/htc-smartwatch-launching-2015-2014-9HTC Is Reportedly Working On A Beautiful Smart Watch To Compete With Apple (AAPL)http://www.businessinsider.com/htc-smartwatch-launching-2015-2014-9
Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:16:00 -0400Sam Colt
<p><img class="center" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/54121dfc6bb3f7b441bc2abd-800-/apple-watch-67.png" border="0" alt="Apple watch" width="800"></p><p>HTC is working on a smartwatch slated for launch early next year, <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/htcs-smartwatch-is-alive-and-kicking-due-in-early-2015/">according to a CNET report</a>.</p>
<p>That watch will likely rely on a sleek design to draw consumers.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">HTC had considered skipping the smartwatch altogether, thinking the market had become too crowded already, according to the report.</span></p>
<p>Their about-face signals a strong entry into the smartwatch market.&nbsp;</p>
<p>HTC had originally planned to release a smartwatch at the end of this year, according to some rumors. Its entry into the market will likely debut alongside their next smartphone, sometime during the first quarter of 2015.</p>
<p>HTC is one of the few Android phone makers that makes beautiful products too. Critics have showered the company's One line of phones with praise since the first one launched in 2013.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-iphone-6-has-samsung-backed-into-a-corner-2014-9" >The iPhone 6 Has Samsung Backed Into A Corner</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/htc-smartwatch-launching-2015-2014-9#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-smartwatch-rumors-2014-5Microsoft May Release A Smart Watch This Summer (MSFT)http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-smartwatch-rumors-2014-5
Thu, 29 May 2014 16:58:00 -0400Lisa Eadicicco
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/530e34a46bb3f7d043bbff4c-800-/satya%20nadella%20illustration.jpg" border="0" alt="Satya Nadella Microsoft Portrait Illustration" width="800" /></p><p>Microsoft is working on a smartwatch that will be able to measure your heart rate and will work with iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone devices, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/parmyolson/2014/05/29/exclusive-microsoft-preparing-to-jump-into-the-wearables-market-with-its-own-smartwatch/">according to Forbes.</a></p>
<p>Microsoft reportedly plans to equip the watch with plenty of sensors, although Forbes doesn't mention any specific features other than its heart rate monitor.</p>
<p>Engineers from Microsoft's Kinect division will be working on the watch's heart rate monitor, which will be able to keep track of your heart throughout the day and night.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-gear-fit-review-2014-4">Unlike Samsung's new Gear Fit</a>, Microsoft's smartwatch will continuously measure your heart rate without the need to trigger a certain feature.&nbsp;Microsoft is working on a software platform for this wearable that will focus on displaying health information gathered by these sensors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The wrist-worn gadget will have a full color touchscreen that is said to be about the same size as a stick of gum. This screen would sit on the inside of the wearers wrist to keep notifications private, much like the secondary screen on Razer's Nabu fitness tracker, which was announced at CES in January.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">The decision to make its smartwatch compatible with iOS and Android would seemingly keep with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's strategy to branch out to other platforms. In April, Nadella unveiled a new version of Microsoft Office that's designed to work with the iPad.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">Based on the new report, it sounds as if Microsoft is planning to create a wearable that would address one of the biggest criticisms we've heard about smart watches so far. Most smart watches don't really offer much functionality that your phone doesn't already offer&mdash;making a $200-$300 product a hard sell for most consumers.</span></p>
<p><span>But incorporating more health-focused features, such as an always-on heart rate monitor, could potentially make Microsoft's option more compelling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span><span>It's unclear exactly when the watch will launch, but <span>if Forbes' report is accurate&nbsp;</span>Microsoft could be eyeballing a summer release.</span></span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/windows-9-2014-5" >LEAKED: Windows 9 Is Coming Next Year And Will Fix A Lot Of Problems With Windows 8</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-smartwatch-rumors-2014-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/new-samsung-smart-watch-2014-5Samsung Is Releasing Another Smart Watch, And This One Could Replace Your Phone, Report Claimshttp://www.businessinsider.com/new-samsung-smart-watch-2014-5
Fri, 23 May 2014 11:17:00 -0400Lisa Eadicicco
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5373b3a0ecad04fb442d8005-800-/gearpedometer.png" border="0" alt="GearPedometer" width="800" /></p><p>Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil another smart watch this summer, according to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/SB10001424052702303480304579579830279369694-lMyQjAxMTA0MDIwMzEyNDMyWj">The Wall Street Journal.</a></p>
<p>This smart watch, however, would be different than the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/samsung-gear-2-review-2014-5">Gear 2</a>, Galaxy Gear, and other wearables the company has released in recent months.</p>
<p>The new wrist-worn gadget would be able to operate independently of a smartphone&mdash;meaning it could make calls, send messages, and access the internet without having to work through another device.</p>
<p>This isn't common among smart watches, but Samsung's purported gadget wouldn't be the first of its kind. The <a href="http://www.neptunepine.com/">Neptune Pine smart watch</a>, for example, doesn't require a connection to another device in order to function.</p>
<p>Samsung declined to comment on what it says are rumors and speculation.</p>
<p>If The Wall Street Journal's report turns out to be true, this smartwatch is likely to be more expensive than Samsung's current offerings. The company will have to equip the watch with its own cellular radio, so that it functions like a mini mobile phone, which could add to the overall cost of the device.</p>
<p>The Journal also reports that this gadget will be able to take photos, send emails, measure your heart rate, and will support GPS and Bluetooth technology.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Samsung is said to be in talks with U.S. carriers and is planning to reveal the device in June or July, according to the report. The watch will run on Samsung's Tizen operating system just like its Gear 2 and Gear Fit gadgets, further suggesting that Samsung may be decreasing its reliance on Android on which it might build its own solid app ecosystem.</p>
<p>While device manufacturers such as Samsung are pushing toward wearable tech, it's still unclear how these devices will fair in the market.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Chris Jones, VP principal analyst with Canalys Insight, previously told Business Insider that many of today's smartwatches end up with short battery life and a bulky design since they run on processors made for smartphones&mdash;not wearables.</p>
<p><span>Jones also acknowledged that smartwatches don't offer new functionality that you can't already achieve with a smartphone, so they haven't really caught on with consumers just yet.</span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-biggest-challenges-in-wearable-tech-2014-3" >Silicon Valley Never Talks About The Real Reason You Don't Own A Smart Watch Or Wearable Tech</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/new-samsung-smart-watch-2014-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/moto-360-price-2014-5Motorola Just Accidentally Revealed How Much Its Google-Powered Smartwatch Will Costhttp://www.businessinsider.com/moto-360-price-2014-5
Wed, 21 May 2014 14:04:00 -0400Lisa Eadicicco
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/532879cdecad040a2ded92ff-480-/androidwearsportsscores.png" border="0" alt="AndroidWearSportsScores" width="480" /></p><p>Motorola may have inadvertently told us how much its Moto 360 smartwatch will cost when it launches this summer.</p>
<p>Motorola is holding a contest inviting developers to create watch faces for its upcoming smartwatch, and <a href="https://drive.google.com/a/businessinsider.com/folderview?id=0B7pO9Fsdl6yYNy1QYWEtME9VQW8&amp;usp=sharing#">embedded in those rules</a> is the grand prize: a Moto 360 smartwatch valued at $249.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here's a screenshot of the document, which was first <a href="http://www.androidcentral.com/moto-360-valued-249-official-motorola-contest-rules">spotted by Android Central:</a></p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/537ce575ecad04b24557d10e-800-172/moto360price.jpg" border="0" alt="Moto360Price" /></p>
<p>This would put it on par with the Pebble Steel while still keeping it a little cheaper than Samsung's $299 Gear 2. Of course, Motorola could always change the price before it releases the Moto 360 in the coming months, but it seems like a pretty clear indicator of how much the watch is likely to cost.</p>
<p>The Moto 360 is one of the first smartwatches that will run Google's new software for wearable tech called Android Wear.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Moto 360 is different from other smartwatches on the market with its round watch face, which makes it look more like a true wristwatch rather than a shrunken smartphone on a wristband.</p>
<p>We'll have to wait until it launches to really gauge what it can do.<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;"></span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/android-wear-features-2014-3?op=1" >Here's Everything You'll Be Able To Do With Google's New Smartwatches</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/moto-360-price-2014-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/report-samsung-dominating-smart-watch-2014-5Samsung Is Absolutely Dominating The Smartwatch Markethttp://www.businessinsider.com/report-samsung-dominating-smart-watch-2014-5
Mon, 19 May 2014 18:21:00 -0400Julie Bort
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/528aa2dcecad04000f416a2a-1198-899/samsung-galaxy-gear-commercial-1.png" border="0" alt="samsung galaxy gear commercial" /></p><p>The race is on to capture the fledgling smartwatch market but to the extent that there's already a winner, it seems to be Samsung.</p>
<p>A new report by market researcher <a href="http://blogs.strategyanalytics.com/WDE/post/2014/05/18/Smartwatches-Grow-250-Driven-by-Samsung-Android.aspx">Strategic Analysis</a> finds that smartwatch shipments grew 250 percent from Q1 2014 and that Samsung dominated.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"The market was driven heavily by Samsung and its Galaxy Gear model, which is outperforming all major rivals like Motorola and Pebble," writes analyst Neil Mawston.</p>
<p>Mawston&nbsp;calculates that retailers and other stores ordered 700,000 smartwatches worldwide from all vendors and 500,000 of those were Samsung models, <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2014/05/19/samsung-ships-500000-smartwatches-in-q1-2014/">VentureBeat's Michael Leibel reports.</a></p>
<p>Note that these shipments don't indicate how many smartwatches people actually bought. That number is likely far lower. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/global-smartwatch-sales-set-to-explode-2014-3">Business Insider Intelligence forecasts that 91.6 million</a>&nbsp;smartwatch units will sell globally in 2018. With an average selling price of about $100, that translates to a $9.2 billion market.</p>
<p>But, if Apple's iWatch really does appear later this year <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/iwatch-production-2014-4">as is rumored</a>, in the next few years, the smartwatch could become even more popular. BI Intelligence also predicts that about <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/global-smartwatch-sales-will-explode-2013-8?utm_source=House&amp;utm_medium=Edit&amp;utm_term=M-WATCH-2014-1&amp;utm_content=link&amp;utm_campaign=BIIMobile">1 in 20 smartphones will be paired in some way with smartwatches</a>&nbsp;as smartwatches add fitness features, and absorb the smart-fitness-bands market.</p>
<p>Though it's hard to find a smartwatch gracing the arm of someone outside of Silicon Valley or Silicon Alley, through just the first half of 2013, the Kickstarter-launched Pebble watch&nbsp;<a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/global-smartwatch-sales-will-explode-2013-8?utm_source=House&amp;utm_medium=Edit&amp;utm_term=M-WATCH-2014-1&amp;utm_content=link&amp;utm_campaign=BIIMobile">shipped 93,000 devices and took over 275,000 preorders</a>.</p>
<p>So demand is certainly there, if these watches can become more fashionable, and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-apps-that-could-take-off-on-wearables-2014-5">add some killer, must-have apps.</a></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/12-hottest-data-center-startups-2014-5" >12 hot data center startups to watch</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/report-samsung-dominating-smart-watch-2014-5#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p>